The United States are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, though they will face Belgium without striker Florian Balogun following his red card.

Balogun opened the scoring just before half-time, capitalising on a calamitous defensive error by Stjepan Radeljic to slide home the opener in the 45th minute — but his evening turned sour when he was dismissed in the 64th minute for a heavy challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.

The red card that changed the game

The incident appeared innocuous at first. Balogun challenged Muharemović for a loose ball, play continued, and no card was shown by the on-field officials. It was VAR that flagged the challenge for review.

On closer inspection, the severity of the challenge became clear. Balogun's studs raked down Muharemović's calf before twisting his ankle — a reckless challenge that always carried the risk of serious injury. After reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor, the referee had no option but to produce a straight red card.

Ten men hold firm

Reduced to ten men, USA were admirable defensively. Bosnia and Herzegovina generated just 0.29 expected goals for the entire match — a testament to the discipline and organisation of the American backline.

Any remaining doubt was extinguished in the 82nd minute when Malik Tillman curled a free-kick from just outside the box up and over the wall, beyond the reach of Bosnia goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, to seal a commanding 2-0 win in front of 68,827 fans.

USA now travel to Seattle, where Belgium await in the Round of 16. Balogun, suspended after his dismissal, will watch from the stands.